Virupaksha Cave — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Virupaksha Cave, Tiruvannamalai – A Sacred Hermitage of Silence and Enlightenment

🔹 Historical Background

Virupaksha Cave is a small, serene cave located on the slopes of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. This cave is deeply tied to the spiritual history of the region and is most famously associated with Sri Ramana Maharshi, the revered Indian sage.

But long before Ramana Maharshi's time, the cave was named after Virupaksha Deva, a 13th-century Shaivite saint and disciple of Guhai Namasivaya, who also meditated on Arunachala. Virupaksha Deva attained samadhi here, and the cave was sanctified as a spiritual abode.

In the early 1900s (circa 1899-1916), Ramana Maharshi spent about 17 years living in and around this cave in deep meditation. This period is considered the foundation of his spiritual path and teaching. Many devotees began visiting him here, and it laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Sri Ramanasramam.

✨ Atmosphere and Ambience

As you approach Virupaksha Cave, the hustle of Tiruvannamalai town fades behind. The walk is a short uphill trail from Ramanasramam, shaded by trees and surrounded by the spiritual vibrations of Arunachala. The silence deepens as you ascend.

The cave itself is modest and well-maintained. From the outside, it appears as a small stone structure built into the hill, but once inside, you're immediately enveloped by an atmosphere of stillness. It’s dim, cool, and deeply tranquil — a space where silence is palpable.

🧘‍♂️ Spiritual Significance

This isn't just a historical site — it's a living center of sadhana (spiritual practice). Many seekers come here to sit in silence, meditate, or simply absorb the powerful spiritual vibrations left behind by Ramana Maharshi’s intense tapas (austerities).

The cave feels timeless — not in a metaphorical way, but in a tangible sense. It is said that meditation here is deeper than in most other places. For those on the spiritual path, even a short sit in this cave can be profound.

🥾 Trekking and Path

The path to Virupaksha Cave is part of the larger Arunachala Hill trail, often visited by pilgrims during Girivalam (circumambulation). The trek is manageable, but proper footwear is advisable as the terrain can be rocky in parts. You'll also pass Skandasramam, another significant cave where Ramana Maharshi later resided.

🔹 Tips for Visitors

🕒 Timings: Usually open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but closed during midday for maintenance or when the hill is restricted.

🧴 Carry water, especially in summer months.

🙏 Silence is highly respected. Switch off your phone and sit quietly.

📷 Photography is generally discouraged inside the cave.

🚫 No shoes or loud conversation near the cave.

🔹 Overall Experience

Virupaksha Cave is not just a site to see, but a place to feel and experience. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a lover of history, or someone just curious about India's mystical landscape, this place will leave a lasting impression.

It stands as a symbol of inner journey, a cave where the body is still but the soul awakens. You don’t need to be a Ramana devotee to sense the power here — the cave...

A unique cave as it is in the shape of the syllable “Om”, with a vestibule with a reclining stone "couch" outside the main cave. There is an excellent on the cave which gives many details of Ramana's time there and some rare pics of the interior.

The cave derives its name from Virupaksha Deva, a renowned 13th century saint. It is believed that Virupaksha spent most of his life in this cave and surroundings. Legends tell that his body turned into ashes just after his Samadhi. The sacred ash (vibhuti) is assumed to be preserved here on the altar.

Ramana was in total mouna/silence until he gave his famous "upadesa"/teaching to Ganapati Muni in 1907 on the nature of "tapas"/spiritual practice which resulted in his being renamed Sri Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi from his birth name Venkataraman Iyer. This has long been one of my favorite meditation spots. Virupaksha Cave We climbed to the cave by the "steep, rough, smelly" route from Tiruvannamalai, which passes through some of the poorer parts of the town with poor or no sanitation; cow dung for heating and cooking is often being dried on the stones alongside the path.As we arrived at the cave early, i was able to secure the "best" spot, one i knew well, in the dark corner on the right hand side, out of the path from the door to the "altar" where folk often traveled to bow, sit for a few minutes and leave. This was particularly important as the entire Ramanasramam "scene" has become much more popular and the cave, normally deserted except for a "cave watcher" when i was there 12 years ago, was now full of folk coming and going, and now had a "pujari" or altar attendant doing much fussing around with wick tending, lamp filling, etc. at least until about 9 when things started to thin out significantly.

During the first hour, i could feel a great energy with a strong compelling feel to it coming from the approximate region of the altar, but couldn't really fully connect with it. As folk thinned out, i surrendered into it, and a huge energy...

Deep Silence

We visited in 2017, and entered the cave after reaching Skandashram first. I found my deepest spiritual experience inside this place as the energy emanating from the cave pulled me in. It's something one cannot put in words but those who meditate will know instantly when you enter. The climb down to Virupaksha cave is a little steep from Skandashram. If you have problems with you knee or limbs, I would suggest you have someone to help guide you. Please carry your water, medicines in a sling bag when you go. There was an older lady in the group behind me who almost collapsed right after she reached Skandashram. But after some rest and hydration, she was better. So, be prepared for the little hike. You must maintain absolute silence and not use your mobile when you enter both premises. The cave has the ashes of sage Virupaksha, who performed intense meditation during his time. There is a red cloth covering a mound, and you can climb up to behind where the mound is, and sit there quietly and meditate. There is pin drop silence inside and it's a beautiful experience. You feel like you are transported to somewhere else. It's beautiful. You will find others meditating. Mind your head while you walk in, be silent so you don't interrupt the others who are already in here. It's a little dark, so look around before you settle in to the cave. Leave your footwear outside the entry to...